Knicks Depth Chart: Who Plays Backup Power Forward?

The New York Knicks' second unit will look slightly different this season after the trade of Obi Toppin.

Jeremy Brener | Jul 28, 2023

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have a hole at the power forward position after trading Obi Toppin to the Indiana Pacers. While two-time All-Star Julius Randle is set to start at the power forward spot, it remains to be seen who will be his backup.

For the time being, the Knicks are expected to take a different approach, filling the role by-committee.

"They may bring in an emergency power forward, someone who could play that spot if Julius Randle were to get hurt ... though Josh Hart will be at the four as much as or more than (R.J.) Barrett will," The Athletic's Fred Katz writes.

A combination of Barrett and Hart will give the second unit some much-needed athleticism. Assuming Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, and Barrett start, Hart will come off the bench with some combination of Donte DiVincenzo, Immanuel Quickley, and Isaiah Hartenstein giving the Knicks one of the best bench units in the NBA.

With a strong group of nine already in place, there isn't much of a need to sign somebody off the streets, especially because he probably isn't a better option than what the Knicks already have.

The team could sign an outside free agent like P.J. Washington or Christian Wood, respectively repping Charlotte and Dallas. But Washington's restricted status and Wood's struggles over the past few years leave doubts as to whether they're true replacements behind Randle. New York could give someone on their Summer League roster like Isaiah Roby or rookie Jaylen Martin a shot, but neither is a guarantee to be ready to contribute for a contender ... or even make the opening night ledger.

For now, it seems like some combination of Barrett and Hart will fill that spot in the rotation.

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Published Jul 28, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.